JAMESTOWN, N.D. (AP) - A Minnesota man accused of leading police on a chase through the North Dakota city of Jamestown and prompting officers to shoot into his car has pleaded not guilty.
Forty-three-year-old Lee Ellingson, of Tracy, Minnesota, faces four charges including reckless endangerment and fleeing. He could face up to 16 years in prison if convicted. KQDJ radio reports Ellingson pleaded not guilty Wednesday to all four charges.
Authorities allege Ellingson fled from an officer who responded to a report of a drunk person at a convenience store on March 17 and rammed two law enforcement vehicles during the ensuing chase.
Officers eventually shot into Ellingson’s vehicle to protect an officer who authorities said had approached the vehicle and was in danger of being run over. The officers were cleared of wrongdoing.
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